Leave It on the Floor

Leave It on the Floor is a vibrant, enigmatic, and deeply human 2011 film that's all about unconventional family, identity, and the transformative power of dance. Directed by Sheldon Larry and written by Glenn Gaylord, this film is brought to life by an impressive cast. With the likes of Ephraim Sykes, most renowned for his role in Hamilton, and also stars Andre Myers, who plays the lead character, as well as Phillip Evelyn, all showcasing their acting prowess with utter fineness. It's bold and refreshing, daring to tap into a subject matter few other films have explored before.

Set in the backdrop of Los Angeles, the story unfolds in the gritty, underground world of Ball culture - a subculture of the LGBTQ+ community, specifically dominated by Black and Latino individuals, which celebrates a flamboyant display of fashion, dance, and posing. This culture creates an alternative family structure, called "houses," for those who have often been rejected by their biological families due to their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Leave It on the Floor carefully follows the journey of its main character, Brad, portrayed by Andre Myers. Brad's world is flipped upside down after being thrown out of his home by his mother once she discovers he's gay. In his isolation and desperation, Brad stumbles upon the vibrant world of the Ball scene, a world full of extravagance and acceptance, rather than the contempt he's used to. There, he finds a new family, joining a house led by the tough but nurturing Queef Latina, ably embodied by Phillip Evelyn. On joining, Brad changes his name to Princess and embarks on a new journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

In the compellingly complex world of Ball competitions, Brad/Princess learns to navigate this newly found life with his fellow house members while challenging life on the streets and evading law enforcement. Throughout this transformative journey, Brad endures the wringer of jealousy, drama, and love. A rocky romance also embroils amid this colorful journey as Princess falls for Carter (played by Ephraim Sykes), which adds a further unexpected layer to the narrative.

Under Sheldon Larry's beautiful direction, Leave It on the Floor is a stunning, at times dream-like queer musical that thrusts you into an electrifying world brimming with life, passion, and heartfelt emotion. The powerful display of song and dance numbers that permeate the film furthers this immersive experience, taking audiences on a hypnotic exploration of the underground Ball scene. Behind the exuberant sequences are emotionally charged narratives and deep-seated longing for acceptance and love, which the film manages to express superbly.

The beautiful cinematography is also worth a mention. It manages to do justice to the lavish and dramatic visual experiences generally associated with Ball culture. Equally, the melange of costumes is a sight to behold. Each outfit is more dazzling than the one before it, flipping between extreme glamour and everyday streetwear, providing a stark, far-reaching look at the dichotomy that exists within the lives of the characters.

Expand upon that with remarkably impactful performances from the entire cast, Leave it on the Floor is more than just a movie; it’s a statement of acceptance and love, encapsulating the struggles and victories of individuals usually veiled away from the eyes of mainstream media. Ephraim Sykes and Andre Myers, in particular, stand out with their dynamic on-screen presence and a keen understanding of their characters' struggles. Their powerful renditions present a touching and poignant look into the difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and the solace they find within their chosen community.

In conclusion, Leave It on the Floor thrives not just on its audacious visual treat or its adept portrayal of a unique subculture, but also on its emotional depth, the stress it lays on the importance of self-acceptance and the impact of finding a loving and accepting family, no matter how unconventional it might seem. By aligning remarkable performances, a captivating story, heart-touching music, and unforgettable dance numbers, this film positions itself as a must-see experience, which often leaves viewers emotionally attached and significantly enlightened.